Women’s Treatment Literacy Toolkit: Launched

I attended the launch of the toolkit titled Women’s Treatment Literacy toolkit” during the AWID Forum. In a move to combat the disease and increase women’s AIDS treatment literacy among women in Southern Africa, Southern Africa HIV/AIDS Information Dissemination Service launched this useful resource. The launch was well received with more than 100 people attending and the Chief Executive of Action Aid International Mr. Yanar Mohammed gave the opening remarks.

Southern Africa remains by far the most affected region affected by HIV/AIDS epidemic, with prevalence rates as high as 30% in certain countries. Antenatal statistics reveal that up to 48% of pregnant women infected with HIV/AIDS in curtain rural areas.

The toolkit came as result of the Southern Mutopola project which means the campaign voice of women living with and affected by the disease in Southern Africa which is being implemented by Action aid International. One of the goals of Southern Mutopola project is comprehensive treatment and care, this prompted SAfAIDS in conjunction with Action aid International to produce a tool kit.

“When treatment came to Africa there was no information…and that’s resulted in us producing the toolkit “noted Ms Lunga the Executive Director for SAfAIDS during the launch in Bangkok. The toolkit addresses the missing information on treatment. Ms Lunga also noted that the “the toolkit reminds us that HIV/AIDS related treatment is vital for maintaining the good health of women, thus enabling them to live longer”

The toolkit which comes with three brochures on also includes post exposure prophylaxis, children and antiretroviral treatment and other forms of HIV/AIDS related treatment. It also comes with an audio tape for use in the community and women can share with other women who are unable to read. Posters, calendar, pencil, rubber and lastly six” lets share “cards are also included in the toolkit.

“Being HIV/AIDS positive does not mean end of sex”noted Ms Lunga .The toolkit also comes with a packet of condoms that can be used by positive women.

The toolkit aims to empower girls and women in communities with accurate and relevant information to enable them to make informed decisions in terms of accessing and demanding their rights in full participation in antiretroviral treatment programmes.

Lunga concluded that “SAfAIDS is encouraging countries to take the toolkit and adapt to any situation, and translate it to make sure that women can access the information in Southern Africa”

There is no doubt that this toolkit is the key in providing the missing answers on women access to information on treatment and HIV/AIDS in Southern Africa.